Articles of Gary_Sicard RSSTue, 09 Jul 2024 15:26:33 GMTThe Rhodesian Ridgeback: A Legacy of Lion Hunting and CompanionshipIn the annals of cynology, few breeds boast as storied a past as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This breed’s history is a tapestry woven from the threads of African heritage and colonial influence, creating a dog as unique in appearance as it is in capability.Origins in the African Wilds The #Rhodesian Ridgeback’s lineage begins in the southern reaches of Africa, where the Khoikhoi people bred dogs that possessed a distinctive ridge of hair along their backs. These dogs were not only resilient but also had an innate ability to fend off the continent’s most formidable predators, including lions1.Colonial Crossbreeding With the arrival of Dutch settlers in the 17th century, European breeds such as Greyhounds, Mastiffs, and Bloodhounds were introduced to the African landscape. These dogs were crossbred with the indigenous Khoikhoi’s ridged hunting dogs, leading to the emergence of the Boer hunting dogs, the direct ancestors of the modern Rhodesian Ridgeback2.A Breed Takes Shape The definitive moment in the breed’s history occurred in 1922 when F.R. Barnes drafted the original breed standard in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). This standard was later approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927, cementing the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s status as a recognized breed2.The Lion Hunter The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred for a specific and daunting task: hunting lions. These dogs were not expected to kill the lions but to track them and hold them at bay until the hunters could arrive. Their agility, strength, and courage made them invaluable companions on such perilous hunts1.Modern Roles Today, while the Rhodesian Ridgeback no longer pursues lions across the savannah, it has found a new role as a versatile and loyal companion. Its protective nature makes it an excellent guardian for homes, and its intelligence and trainability allow it to excel in various canine sports and activities.Conclusion The Rhodes... Read more

]]>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:26:33 GMTChien-gris - Gris de Saint-Louis (Grey Saint Louis Hound), dun hound (extinct)The Chien-gris a.k.a. Gris de Saint-Louis (Grey Saint Louis Hound) is an extinct breed of dog which originated in Medieval times. Like the Chien de Saint-Hubert, it was a scent hound, and formed part of the royal packs of France, which were composed, from about 1250 till 1470, exclusively of hounds of this type. According to King Charles IX,(1550–1574) they were introduced to France through Saint Louis (i.e. King Louis IX, 1226–1270), who had encountered these hounds while a prisoner during the Crusades, and subsequently received some as a gift. Old writers on hunting liked to ascribe an ancient and remote origin to their hounds, and these were claimed to be originally from Tartary. They were large, and even though they did not have such good noses, were preferred by the Kings to the St Huberts, which were said to be only of medium size.Jacques du Fouilloux, in the 16th century, says they were common, and describes them as 'gris' (grey) on the back with forequarters and legs tan or red, some having near black hair on the back. They were rough haired, and were ancestors of the modern French rough-coated Griffon breeds. However, the rough coats were not mentioned by Charles IX or du Fouilloux, and it has been suggested they were acquired later through interbreeding with indigenous French hounds. They were headstrong, wide-casting hounds, inclined to change or overshoot, but determined in their pursuit of a quarry to the death. However, by the nineteenth century, like the St Hubert, they had become virtually impossible to find, because of mixed breeding and the effect of the Revolution on French hunting.George Turberville translated du Fouilloux' book on hunting into English, and used the term 'Dun hound' to translate 'Chien-gris'. It is presumed he did not translate it literally as 'grey-hound' to avoid confusion. One finds the term 'dun hound' in some subsequent writing in English, suggesti... Read more

]]>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:55:02 GMTOne of the many Bandog breeds that are purpose created for working abilities and athleticism. Generally considered the same as the Brazilian Bullmastiff.

]]>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:52:19 GMTThe powerful Skilos tou Alexandrou is one of THE original Molossers, an ancient Greek breed closely associated with Alexander the Great and his war campaigns. Although Alexander kept a large number of dogs, from hunting to guarding to fighting breeds, many of which he brought from other lands he had conquered, the Skilos tou Alexandrou is said to had been his favourite indigenous Macedonian breed. Some fanciers suggest that this impressive mastiff was created by crossing the Molossos tis Epirou with the Skilos tou Pyrrou and the Hellenic Mastiff, while others also include the dogs of Central Asia and Anatolia into its heritage. The most powerful of all the Greek dogs, this breed is believed by many to be one of the most important Molossers of all time, the one that every other comes from. This is a very rare dog, currently on its way to being recovered by Greek enthusiasts, which is most certainly a good thing. In appearance nearly identical to the Sarplaninac, apart from allowing greater variety of colours, the Alexander's Moloss is a large and impressive breed. Some even believe that this in fact is just a southernmost variant of the Macedonian Sarplaninec, but obviously most Greeks would disagree. As is the case with other mountain dogs of Greece, the Skilos tou Alexandrou is incorrectly lumped under the Hellenikos Poimenikos name, although there are also reports of a possibility of this ancient working dog becoming assimilated into the Molossos tis Epirou breed in the future, alongside some other rare Greek shepherds. Fearless, intelligent, calculated and massive, this is a dog capable of handling many different tasks with flying colours. More than willing and able to kill a wolf and even a bear, this is definitely not a breed for everyone. It needs very firm handling and intense obedience training. Extremely aggressive towards other dogs, this Molosser will go out of its way to start a fight. Said to be a one-person dog, it does not make an ideal urban compan... Read more

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